A GROUP of creatives are bringing the story of King of the Anglo-Saxons Athelstan to life with an interactive production.

Original play Athelstan - A United Kingdom will be staged for the first time in Malmesbury Abbey in July to entertain a standing audience who will interact with the performers.

The 50-minute production tells the story of Athelstan through the eyes of William of Malmesbury, the 12th-century historian and poet whose legacy offers information about the famous figure.

The show forms part of Athelstan 1100, Malmesbury’s celebration of the 1,100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming king.

Athelstan, or Æthelstan, was King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 to 939.

He is viewed by some modern historians as the first true king of England, and he had a special relationship with Malmesbury, where he was buried.

Athelstan - A United Kingdom is directed by Andy Duncan and written and produced by Alan Nixon and Paul Overton.

Alan is a former scriptwriter and producer with BBC Radio 4, while Paul is a former headteacher with a love of writing.

Athelstan will be played by local actor Robert Naylor-Stables, with William of Malmesbury being performed by John O’Brien.

Commenting on the production, Paul said: “While we know some things about Athelstan, there’s much we don’t know.

“Alan and I wanted to create a production which is entertaining, fun and engaging while covering some of the main events that we know Athelstan was involved with.”

Alan added: “The tireless enthusiasm of actors, musicians and singers will guarantee a performance to be remembered, and we cannot thank enough all those who have given so freely of their time and energy.”

“We’ve tried to create a performance with a feel of Horrible Histories and the York Mystery Plays,” Paul said.

“For example, we know that Athelstan overcame opposition to his claim to the throne, so to illustrate that, we’ve based a sequence on the BBC TV show Gladiators where ‘Eureka Johnson’ will lead the charge as Athelstan takes on his rivals from history including Owain and Constantine.”

There are four performances of Athelstan - A United Kingdom across Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14.

Tickets are free, but registration is required as numbers are limited.

For more information and to book tickets, visit athelstan1100.co.uk/events-ticketing